The AV-14 Attack VTOL, also known as the Hornet, is a United Nations Space Command assault and reconnaissance aircraft. The Hornet is capable of fulfilling multiple combat roles from close air support to special forces insertion.[1]

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The AV-14 is a vertical take off and landing aircraft (VTOL) that has been in service since at least 2424 and has played a role in multiple campaigns starting with Operation: TREBUCHET.[1][2] It serves as the UNSC's Assault, Search, Reconnaissance, and Close Air Support Aircraft. The Hornet is an atmospheric only craft and as such cannot be deployed by orbital vessels unless a ship rated for atmospheric entry can deliver it to the battlefield. It is easier for the Hornet to be deployed from an air base located on the surface than from a ship.[citation needed]

The AV-14 Hornet consists of a one-man cockpit and a rear section, extending approximately one meter backward. Variant models feature a tandem seating configuration, presumably allowing a second passenger to operate the aircraft's weaponry or navigation systems.[3] At the top of this rear section are a set of wings with turbofan engines mounted on gimbals at the ends, providing the Hornet's main source of propulsion. The front of the Hornet contains a target acquisition and designation system which includes cameras and sensors. On each side of the cockpit is a jump-seat extending backward that doubles as a landing skid. These skids allow up to four passengers, though the additional weight runs the risk of overloading the aircraft.[4]

Although the AV-14 Hornet serves primarily as an attack craft, it can be reconfigured for a particular role. Variant models include the AV-14 Reconnaissance and the AV-14 Transport and dependent upon mission requirements can be customized accordingly.[5]

The AV-14 Hornet is armed with both anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon systems. The AV-14 Hornet can be configured with one of two anti-infantry systems. The first are a pair of high-mounted GUA-23/A Heavy Autocannons,[1] located on either side of the cockpit, which can be elevated and depressed to a small degree without affecting the flight pattern of the Hornet. The second is a single, nose-mounted GUA-23 Linkless Feed Autocannon that fires .50 BMG rounds.[6][7] The anti-vehicle system is composed of a Class-2 Guided Munition Launch System consisting of twin missile launchers mounted on the belly of the aircraft's landing skids. When triggered, each pod fires a single homing missile.[1] In addition, the Hornet can be armed with two chaff pods to counter radar-guided missiles. When activated, they release copper nickel-coated glass fibers or silver-coated nylon fibers having lengths equal to half of the anticipated radar wavelength.[6]

A Hornet and Marine pilot in Halo 3.

While the AV-14 Hornet has a wide variety of roles and advantages, its greatest weakness is its light armor — making it susceptible to anything larger than small arms fire.[2] Infantry atop of the vehicles landing skids are also at risk of taking enemy fire, as they have no protection at all which is why the AV-14 Hornet is often used to insert small strike teams, and not extract them during combat operations.[7][8]

The AV-14 Hornet first entered service during the UNSC's campaign against the Insurrectionists.[2] It played a big part in Operation: TREBUCHET and was used to provide support to infantry on the ground and to insert strike teams into combat zones.

Two Hornets were used during a raid on Tribute in 2524 when two teams of special forces were inserted into a hot zone and safely retrieved an Insurrectionist with information regarding the rebels' method of making explosives.[4]

The Hornet cannot take much damage damage before going down. Two missiles from a Missile Pod will take one out. One discharge of a Spartan Laser is sufficient to either bring the craft down or inflict critical damage and seriously injure the pilot on a near-hit.

The Hornet can be used to relocate a sniper to places that are otherwise inaccessible.

The Hornet can be used to quickly transport teammates, which is especially useful if the teammate is holding an objective item.

If a passenger possesses a Bubble Shield, he can deploy it in mid-air to block damage from heavy weapons.

In the Halo 3 multiplayer map Avalanche, the Hornet does not have missiles, it moves slightly faster, and its rotary cannons have a slower rate of fire.

The Hornet in Halo Wars is the mainline UNSC aircraft and is capable of engaging both ground and air targets. It can be built at the Air Pad for a cost of 250 resources and 2 population with a minimum tech level of 2. It has several upgrades:

"Wingmen": Adds two Marine passengers who each carry a rocket launcher.

"Chaff Pod": Increases the Hornet's avoidance of anti-air fire.

"Hawk": Upgrades the Hornet into a Sparrowhawk gunship, which has greater firepower and hitpoints and is faster than a Banshee. This upgrade is available only if Professor Anders is the selected leader.